Nation

BN reps: Anwar to blame for water crisis

SHAH ALAM: Poor advice on the Langat 2 water treatment plant by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as state economic adviser, had largely brought about the water crisis in Selangor, Barisan Nasional backbenchers said.

Sungai Burong assemblyman and state opposition leader Datuk Shamsudin Lias said Anwar must take the blame for not advising the state government in 2009 to approve the treatment plant.

He said this at a press conference at the state assembly lobby yesterday.

Present was Semenyih assemblyman Datuk Johan Abd Aziz.

On Feb 26, the state and federal governments agreed in a memorandum of understanding to restructure the water management sector in Selangor, which also provides for the Langat 2 plant to pump raw water into the state from neighbouring Pahang.

On Tuesday, the Federal Gov­ernment agreed to invoke Section 114 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Wasia), which allows it to assume control of the four water concession companies and a water licensee in Selangor.

This is to ensure the security and sustainability of water supply to con­sumers in Selangor and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

At the same time, the Federal Government has asked the state government to speed up the approvals for the Langat 2 and other mitigation projects.

“If Anwar had earlier advised the (state) government to agree with the Federal Government on Langat 2, we will not be facing a crisis today,” Shamsudin said.

He urged Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to stand firm and quickly carry out the water restructuring exercise.

“I am afraid the Mentri Besar is under pressure to stall the MoU.

“If the project is stopped now, it will cause more problems,” he said.

Johan said Anwar had failed in his duty as state economic adviser, adding that his party members might say he had done a lot but could not prove it.

“Langat 2 and the water crisis are perfect examples that he (Anwar) is not doing his job,” he said.

Earlier in the House, Khalid reiterated the state government’s stand to restructure the water industry by collaborating with the Federal Govern­ment.